According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents
are the leading cause of death among children.

In 2014, an average of 458 children (age 14 and under in a passenger car) were injured
each day in car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). Many of these children experienced serious injuries to the head, spine, and
lower extremities.

In addition, car accidents killed an average of almost 3 children each day. Data from
NHTSA indicates that approximately half of the deaths annually could be prevented
by using a car seat or booster seat that correctly fits the height, weight, and age
of the child.

There are many different types of car seats and booster seats available. This article
provides parents and caregivers with general guidelines to follow when selecting children's
safety seats.

Car Seat Safety Basics

Children younger than 13 years of age should always ride in the back seat. A child
sitting in the front seat is at a much higher risk for injury or death in a crash
— from both the force of impact and the force of the front-seat airbag deployment.

Do not transfer your child to the next safety seat stage too early (for example, from
a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat). Keep your child in each car seat stage
until he or she outgrows the seat manufacturer's height and weight limits.

Make sure that your child's safety seat is installed securely. You should not be able
to move a safety seat more than one inch to the right, left, or forward if it is installed
properly.

Always wear a safety belt yourself to set a good example for your child.

The type of safety seat you need depends on the size and weight of your child, as
well as your vehicle's safety equipment. Before you select a car seat, be sure to
refer to your car's owner manual for helpful information on safety equipment features.

Birth to 2 Years

A rear-facing child safety seat offers maximum protection and should be used for
most babies until they are at least 2 years old.

A rear-facing infant car seat typically has a base that is installed in the back seat,
allowing your baby to stay in the seat for easy transferring in and out of the car.
When your baby outgrows the seat manufacturer's height and weight limits - usually
around 1 year - switch to a rear-facing seat with higher size accommodations.

Many manufacturers offer convertible safety seats that can be adjusted as a baby grows.
Convertible seats can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Height
and weight limits for most convertible seats can accommodate most babies in the rear-facing
position until they are at least 2 years old.

Keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible. Babies older than 2 years that still
fit within car seat height and weight limits can stay rear-facing until they outgrow
their seats.

2 to 4 Years

Once your child has outgrown the size limits for car seats in the rear-facing position,
a forward-facing seat secured in the back seat is the safest option. Never use a seat
that is built just for rear-facing in a forward-facing position.

If you have a convertible car seat, follow the manufacturer's instructions to safely
convert the seat from rear- to forward-facing. Children should stay in a forward-facing
car seat with a harness until they reach the height and weight limits of the seat,
which typically occurs around age 4 years.

4 to 8 Years

A booster seat will put your child in position to be safely secured with your car's
lap and shoulder seat belts. When your child has outgrown the forward-facing car seat,
buckling up in a booster seat in the back seat of your car will provide the most protection.

There are high-back booster seats and backless booster seats. High-back booster seats
should be used in vehicles with lower seat backs that do not support a child's head.

Booster seats should be used until your child is tall enough that the car's seat belts
fit correctly. This means that the shoulder belt fits across the chest and shoulder,
not across the neck or face, and the lap belt crosses at the upper thighs. In most
vehicles, children who are 4' 9" tall can be safely secured with standard shoulder
and lap belts in the back seat.

Most car accidents happen within 25 miles of home. That is why it is important to
make sure your child is properly secured in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt
every time you drive.

Just as important, make sure that the car seat you are using is right for your child's
size and installed properly. A research study from NHTSA concluded that three out
of four children are at greater risk for injury because of car seats that are used
incorrectly.

Many communities now sponsor events during which parents and caregivers can receive
education and hands-on assistance in installing safety seats from certified Child
Passenger Safety Seat Technicians.

In addition, you can find comprehensive information on selecting the right car seat
for your child, as well as instructions on car seat installation, seat recalls, and
additional safety tools, by visiting the NHTSA micro-website Parents Central at Safercar.govSafercar.gov (http://www.safercar.gov/parents/index.htm).

Sources: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Child Car Safety Fact Sheet 2014.

Reviewed by members of POSNA (Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America)

The Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) is a group of board eligible/board
certified orthopaedic surgeons who have specialized training in the care of children's
musculoskeletal health. One of our goals is to continue to be the authoritative source
for patients and families on children's orthopaedic conditions. Our Public Education
and Media Relations Committee works with the AAOS to develop, review, and update the
pediatric topics within OrthoInfo, so we ensure that patients, families and other
healthcare professionals have the latest information and practice guidelines at the
click of a link.

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced
herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended
to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance
should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through
the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.